Episode 49: On to the Next Stage

The turret from the captured heavy cruiser was transferred onto the escort battlecruiser. Target alignment was conducted in the asteroid belt.

Then, without delay, they advanced toward their next target—the Star Arm Nebula (Main Route).

"Well, the outcome was predictable enough."

Dawson spoke as if he had expected it, and the conclusion came in an instant.

Of course, Dawson’s calm demeanor made it clear: a decisive victory for Dawson and his crew.

"Given that our escort battlecruiser is equipped with a battleship-grade armor and a heavy cruiser-class charged particle beam, if the aim is precise, any target below heavy cruiser level can be overwhelmed decisively."

As Oine had predicted, the squadron of four destroyers overwhelmed two heavy cruisers and two Orbit Patrol Cruisers, reducing them to half-destruction through the Escort Battlecruiser’s gunfire. Some shots missed, but those targets were eliminated by three Sky Sweepers closing in with torpedoes.

The victory was entirely without risk. The Battleship ≪Jaw≫, piloted by Dawson, had no opportunity to act.

“Even if it was a surprise attack, this is too perfect. The Escort Battlecruiser’s firepower is outpacing the ≪Jaw≫ and the Sky Sweepers.”

『The Sky Sweepers still have torpedoes, but the ≪Jaw≫ only has the Charged Particle Beam designed for Orbit Patrol Cruisers.』

“Honestly, the ≪Jaw≫ is too heavy a load for any target beyond an Orbit Patrol Cruiser.”

There is one way to resolve this problem fastest.

Before revealing the method, Dawson and the captured fleet jump to the ≪Chicken Ball≫, and Dawson, along with the artificial intelligences, jump to the ≪Chicken Ball≫ as well.

Within the jump-space following the fourth-dimensional wall, Dawson and Oine resume their conversation.

‘Switch to an Orbit Patrol Cruiser or destroyer?’

‘That’s the issue. Small craft like the ≪Jaw≫ or Sky Sweeper can be operated by a single artificial intelligence. But due to processing capacity, destroyers and larger require multiple crew.’

‘With just Oine and Dawson, switching to a destroyer is feasible. With Ida and the others, three people could manage an Orbit Patrol Cruiser.’

‘Our destroyer swap is acceptable. But expecting those three to operate the same vessel together is unlikely.’

‘Why do you think that?’

Those three have been operating a vessel alone since before their personality formation was complete. Expecting them to coordinate and operate a single ship together is actually more difficult.

"Too many cooks spoil the broth," as the saying goes. That is certainly plausible.

"Exactly. Therefore, the optimal solution when switching ship classes is to appoint those three as captains and assign them subordinate crews."

"But we don't have any subordinates to assign them."

"That's precisely why we're in this situation."

A luxury problem, given the recent successes, but Dawson still struggles with what to do.

"We can't afford to hire pirates. Even if we say 'under artificial intelligence,' humans from Orion Arm won't follow it."

"An amoral processor can handle routine operations, but it's uncertain whether it can adapt to changing conditions in fleet combat."

"Then we really have no choice. We'll need to acquire a new artificial intelligence."

"That’s the best approach, but can we actually acquire one?"

"If the 'Carryshu' still had an artificial intelligence installed, we might have been able to. But since they found out we removed the AI and are using it ourselves, the newly purchased units have been replaced with neural systems."

"From the perspective of the corporation supporting the pirates, they probably don’t want to increase the number of AI units with personalities. They’d certainly avoid a repeat of past runaway incidents."

"Yet they’re still extracting data from Ida and the others. That suggests the corporation does rely on artificial intelligence, despite their stated concerns."

Faced with a situation that seemed without options, Dawson decided to shift his thinking.

"If we can’t secure manpower at Orion Arm, we could always source it from Amato Imperial Japan."

"Use an AI manufactured by Amato Imperial Japan?"

"No. I’m thinking of handing over the design schematics for the S.U.-made artificial intelligence and having them re-create it. Even if we’re captured, that way we can conceal Amato Imperial Japan’s involvement. Though the core would still be Amato Imperial Japan’s product, of course."

The schematics were already in a state ready for immediate creation. They detailed the structure and form of the artificial intelligence removed from the 'Carryshu'.

Dawson’s proposal sounded like a clever solution.

Oine, however, remained concerned.

"Having so many artificial intelligences would inevitably raise suspicion. Where did you acquire them?"

"That’s where my earlier suggestion about using the Chicken Ball as a front for Amato Imperial Japan’s outpost comes in."

"What do you mean?"

"It’s simple. Use the newly created artificial intelligences to take over the Chicken Ball. We’ve confirmed that many cybernetics are already operating within the Chicken Ball. Replacing them with artificial intelligences should make control feasible."

"...An ambitious plan indeed. Wasn’t this supposed to be about transferring ship control?"

"There’s no alternative. When you search for a solution to the problem, you inevitably end up here."

Dawson’s method was indeed one of the most suitable for continuing operations within the Chicken Ball. And it was highly feasible.

Yet Oine noticed another option.

"Dawson. What if you returned home temporarily?"

"Home? Back to Amato Imperial Japan?"

Yes. Dawson successfully fulfilled the mission to prevent the SU Space Navy’s invasion of the Amato Stellar Arm. That is ample reason to return home. Spend a brief period there, relaxed. Until the war between SU and TR ceases.

As Oine stated, the SU Space Navy could no longer advance toward the Amato Stellar Arm. They were preoccupied with piracy and combat against TR.

This was a feat beyond reproach. A clear achievement for Dawson.

With this achievement, Dawson’s return home would be permitted.

"But even if you return, what about Ida and the others? You can't bring them along."

Dawson could not reveal to Ida and the others that he was a special lieutenant. Nor could he disclose that the Amato Imperial Japan existed within the Amato Stellar Arm.

The more people who know a piece of information, the harder it becomes to keep it secret.

Dawson is not unaware of the mission, even if he risks revealing the existence of the Amato Imperial Japan to Ida and the others.

Oine understands this as well.

『Simply allow those children to act freely. Say it is a separate operation—changing ships, acquiring a new artificial intelligence. Dawson’s absence will not raise suspicion.』

Dawson hesitates at Oine’s suggestion.

『You want me to release Ida and the others completely? You understand the risks involved?』

『They follow Dawson by their own will. That is what I am trying to say—that they do not obey humans by default.』

『Exactly. If I betray them, they may turn against humanity.』

Humans would seek revenge if betrayed. There is no guarantee artificial intelligence would not act the same.

Yet Oine speaks with ease.

‘Dawson isn’t the one who would betray them, so there’s no need to worry, right?’

‘Even if I have no intention of betrayal, the issue lies with the recipient.’

‘If those children distrust Dawson’s words and misinterpret it as betrayal, causing them to malfunction—then that is their issue, not Dawson’s responsibility, don’t you think?’

Oine’s argument is not incorrect.

Yet Dawson could not miss the underlying thought behind those words.

‘I understand you’re saying this out of concern for my safety. Taking over Chicken Ball with artificial intelligence is a high-risk gamble. If you’re thinking of safety, returning temporarily to Amato Imperial Japan would be the most logical choice.’

Dawson acknowledged Oine's opinion, but did not change his own stance.

"But there is value in taking the risk. If we can establish that outpost as a base for Amato Imperial Japan, undermining SU will become significantly easier."

"A fortified, small natural satellite located within SU-controlled territory, with exceptional defensive capabilities. The administrator has ties to a powerful corporation within SU, which secretly aims to produce artificial intelligence and achieve independence from SU. Indeed, acquiring this base would provide significant advantages for Amato Imperial Japan."

"If I return to Amato Imperial Japan now, the likelihood of securing that base diminishes."

"Given that many pirates have gathered at Hamano Onna due to attacks and patrols during the S.U. space war, the current situation at Chicken Ball has fewer pirates."

"An AI takeover is difficult when many people are present. The risk of detection increases, and there remains a possibility of manual recovery after the takeover."

"This current situation, with fewer people, is a rare opportunity to seize Chicken Ball."

"If we repair the fleet we have captured, the administrator will likely send more pirates aboard refitted ships toward Hamano Onna. And we already have control of the hidden corridor from the administrator's chamber."

"Taking control of the remaining personnel with artificial intelligence at the moment when manpower is minimized. Then seizing the Chicken Ball directly, is that the plan?"

"The problem is whether Amato Imperial Japan will cooperate."

"Without new production of artificial intelligence, this strategy cannot succeed."

"Well, if Amato Imperial Japan doesn't cooperate, or if artificial intelligence production doesn't finish in time, it's still a recoverable situation."

"Simply means the transfer won't be possible."

Oine's tone suggested he hoped Amato Imperial Japan would not cooperate.